ZAGS 360 – Gonzaga Bulldogs Exciting Season Openers

Gonzaga basketball
Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga basketball.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs started the season ranked number one in the polls. Their first two games showed everyone why.

College basketball is back, and the Gonzaga Bulldogs gave Zags fans a pair of exciting season openers at the Fort Myers Tip-Off! With a sensational new freshman point guard, Jalen Suggs, and returning favorites Drew Timme and Corey Kispert, and Joel Ayayi, the number one ranked Bulldogs are electric to watch!

Zags 360 is our new weekly series. We review games from the past week, give the latest news on the team, and a few things to look for in the coming week. Any questions? Ask in the comments section.

Gonzaga vs. Kansas

The Gonzaga Bulldogs played their first game against Kansas on Thanksgiving Day. They opened their season clobbering the Jayhawks on 53 percent shooting and 44 percent from three-point range. The Bulldogs won easily, 102-90. Surely something to be thankful for. Gonzaga made me grateful that college basketball is back, and I’m sure the rest of ZagsNation feels the same way. Let’s hope the team stays healthy.

Freshman phenom Jalen Suggs showed a national television audience why he is the highest-ranked high school player to wear the Gonzaga uniform. Mark Few decided to start the freshman, and Suggs responded with 24 points, four rebounds, and eight assists in 24 minutes.

He looked great in that first game and made his teammates look very good in the process. Forward Corey Kispert had 23 points and four rebounds in 38 minutes, while Drew Timme in 32 minutes had 25 points, six boards, and one assist.

There is not one Bulldogs player who had a bad game. Suggs worked very well in the backcourt with Joel Ayayi. The duo had a couple of “showtime” plays. Ayayi finished the game with 15 points and nine rebounds. Andrew Nembhard, the transfer from Florida, was recently granted a waiver by the NCAA to play immediately. He also worked great with Suggs. In 32 minutes, he contributed 11 points and three assists.

Gonzaga v Auburn

The Auburn game was just as great as the Kansas game. The Zags prevailed 67-90. The Bulldogs once again were again outstanding from the floor, with 53 percent field goal shooting. In this game, it was Corey Kispert (25 points and six rebounds) and center Drew Timme (28 points and 10 rebounds) who brought the win home.

Starting guards Jalen Suggs (12 points, four rebounds, and six assists) and Joel Ayayi (five points and seven rebounds) were amazing. They dazzled with their lobs and precision passing. All of the Gonzaga players were great. Aaron Cook and Nembhard also contributed to the Zags victory.

The Week Ahead

Unfortunately, COVID-19 related news. The Tennessee Volunteers put their program on pause due to coronavirus. So the highly anticipated matchup between these teams won’t happen. Instead, the Zags face 15th ranked West Virginia at the Jimmy V. Classic in Indianapolis.

Also, two Gonzaga players did not play in the Auburn game due to COVID-19 protocol. Sadly this is the state of the world today. Please join me in wishing the best for any players, coaches, or school personnel who may have contracted the virus.

West Virginia vs. Gonzaga, Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 4:00 pm PST. The Mountaineers opened the 2020-21 season with wins over San Diego State, Virginia Commonwealth, and Western Kentucky and are 3-0. For WVU, the level of competition takes a giant step up when they face the Zags.

Baylor vs. Gonzaga, Saturday, December 5, 2020, at 9:00 am PST. A meeting of the top two teams in the country. Baylor soundly defeated Louisiana 112-82 in their season opener. That was followed by an 86-52 beatdown of Washington on Sunday. No doubt this will be an exciting matchup and one of the highlight games of the nonconference season.

Three Things to Watch For

  1. Watch out for the formation of the “Terrifying Trio” of Timme, Kispert, and Suggs in the upcoming Zags games.
  2. The continued gelling of the Bulldogs as they march on their way to the NCAA title.
  3. Gonzaga vs. Baylor. The Bears could be the best team Gonzaga plays until March Madness.

Related Story: Updated 2020-21 schedule with times and tv

Editors Note: PNWS is pleased to welcome our newest addition, Teresa Powe. Her knowledge of basketball and passion for the game make Teresa a valuable member of our team and a fun read.

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